Tamiya Centurion converted to IDF Shot Kal
#1
Tamiya Centurion converted to IDF Shot Kal
I "re-worked" my Tamiya Centurion from a 1970s themed IDF "Shot" into a early 1980s version "Shot Kal" with up armored ERA. The conversion was made possible with the use of the newly released DKLM RC "Shot Kal" conversion kit that includes everything from turret to nearly an entirely new top deck and lower rear hull.
The kit was easy to install once the tank is taken apart and has only a few small issues with turret to ERA panel interface when rotating the turret. Easy to fix and is unseen afterwards. I did have a few other issues but they were related to the disassembly of the original tank parts. Seems I build it to well and the parts did not want to come off so they were left on.
Personally I like the more aggressive and textured look the kit brings to the Centurion.
Below are photos of the DKLM "Shot Kal" kit installed, painted and lightly weathered on my Tamiya Centurion.
The kit was easy to install once the tank is taken apart and has only a few small issues with turret to ERA panel interface when rotating the turret. Easy to fix and is unseen afterwards. I did have a few other issues but they were related to the disassembly of the original tank parts. Seems I build it to well and the parts did not want to come off so they were left on.
Personally I like the more aggressive and textured look the kit brings to the Centurion.
Below are photos of the DKLM "Shot Kal" kit installed, painted and lightly weathered on my Tamiya Centurion.
Last edited by Fsttanks; 06-13-2024 at 10:53 AM.
The following 7 users liked this post by Fsttanks:
bowlman (06-13-2024),
jarndice (06-15-2024),
Pah co chu puk (06-15-2024),
Panther F (06-13-2024),
Pcomm1.v2 (07-04-2024),
and 2 others liked this post.
#2
Now that is stunning work and so is the kit.
The following users liked this post:
Fsttanks (06-13-2024)
The following users liked this post:
Fsttanks (06-13-2024)
#4
Tamiya Centurion "Shot Kal" on the "Tracks N Turret" gunnery course firing at static IR targets.
Firing from the "hull down" position. This makes the tank very hard to hit in both real world and IR battling. The Shot Kal conversion does it well, but not quite as well as the original Tamiya turret.
Firing on the move. The DKLM "Shot Kal" conversion has far less barrel "bounce" when moving then the original Tamiya systems and thus accuracy firing on the move is greatly improved.
Firing from the "hull down" position. This makes the tank very hard to hit in both real world and IR battling. The Shot Kal conversion does it well, but not quite as well as the original Tamiya turret.
Firing on the move. The DKLM "Shot Kal" conversion has far less barrel "bounce" when moving then the original Tamiya systems and thus accuracy firing on the move is greatly improved.
The following 2 users liked this post by Fsttanks:
Pah co chu puk (06-16-2024),
Pcomm1.v2 (07-04-2024)
#5
Well this conversion looks like a winner. I’m about to pull the trigger on getting it. I already have one of your 105 barrels to use. Couple of question. How does turret access work as it a solid piece by the look of it. One my MK 3 i can take the turret top off it needed. Does rear deck battery access work the same? I will probably start with a brand new kit. I wish they had instructions on their website as it would probably answer these questions.
cheers
Dave
cheers
Dave
#6
Well this conversion looks like a winner. I’m about to pull the trigger on getting it. I already have one of your 105 barrels to use. Couple of question. How does turret access work as it a solid piece by the look of it. One my MK 3 i can take the turret top off it needed. Does rear deck battery access work the same? I will probably start with a brand new kit. I wish they had instructions on their website as it would probably answer these questions.
cheers
Dave
cheers
Dave
The rear engine deck work just like the Tamiya deck and is a good fit. The only thing I would recommend is to add magnets to the deck mounts as this works to hold it to the hull magnets much better then simply added metal strips as with the original Tamiya set up. I had to drill out the deck mounts to fit some small round magnets but had no issues and I am 100% glad I did the deck is held in place nicely.
The kit comes with an IDF "heat shielded" 105 main gun. I did not use it for two reason. One I felt it was to long (it could have been easily shortened) and two I wanted an early 80-83 Shot Kal look which did not have the later heat shield.
The assembly is pretty straight forward and simply looking at DKLMs photos will help you know where everything goes.
The 105 by RichJohnson needs a slighty narrower rear section (~.85mm) on it to fit the narrower barrel "baffle" opening that DKLM molded to the mantle. I had this section of RichJohnson 3D printed barrel custom made for me to fit the DKLM mantle. If you have Rich's 3D 105mm resin barrel it can be sanded to fit as well.
If you have anymore questions feel free to ask.
DKlM turret ring with magnets.
Magnet added to deck mount to hold better. The stock hull magnets were left in place.
Last edited by Fsttanks; 06-17-2024 at 10:04 AM.
The following users liked this post:
bowlman (06-19-2024)